World Kiteboarding Championships kicked off with a bang

Carlos Mario and Mikaili Sol claimed the first event of the 2018 World Kiteboarding Championships (WKC), in Akyaka, Turkey.

The freestyle kiteboarding tour is now sanctioned by World Sailing via Global Kitesports Association (GKA). The inaugural season will feature three stops.

The men's final had four riders aged under 20 years old, who put out a spectacular display of creativity and technicality, punctuated by a broad range of new and old school tricks and maneuvers.

Carlos Mario continues to be kiteboarder to beat in these conditions. The three-time Brazilian world champion unrolled his talent by landing a heart attack 7, a KGB7, and a double hinterberger mobe 7.

"I am thrilled to have won the first WKC in Turkey. I had good results, even with a little bit of pain in my arm during heats," expressed Mario.

The women's final confirmed the superiority of Mikaili Sol. She may be just 13, but she performs like a veteran. The Brazilian trickster had a dream run in Akyaka and kicks off the season in grand style.

"It feels amazing. I wasn't expecting this. I just wanted to get into the top three, but I guess I won. The girls did really well, too," concluded Sol.

The inaugural 2018 World Kiteboarding Championships are now heading to Dakhla, in Morocco.